Former Ohio State star receiver to ring victory bell for Spring Game

It might just be a glorified scrimmage in the 'Shoe on Saturday, but Ohio State football is keeping with tradition and honoring a Buckeye great before the game with the ringing of the victory bell to start the game. And this one is special. Former Ohio State star wide receiver, NFL Offensive MVP , and Super Bowl champion, Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be tasked with rining in the annual Spring Game on Saturday.

Last season was the first time the Ohio State football program instituted the tradition, with home games seeing Archie Griffin, Clark Kellogg, Michael Redd, Urban Meyer, Jerry Lucas, and Jim Tressel receiving the honor. And now, JSN, will join that list, even with it being an intrasquad scrimmage. THE Super Bowl Champ is ringing the bell to kick off the 2026 Spring Game 🔔 We can’t wait to have the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, back in The ‘Shoe on Saturday ‼️ @OhioStateFB | #GoBucks pic.

twitter. com/os88DDFxyY — Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) April 16, 2026 Last year was one of the best seasons a wide receiver has ever put together in the NFL for Smith-Njiba. He hauled in 199 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, ultimately culminating in a Super Bowl victory.

It was enough for Smith-Njigba to sign a record contract for a receiver, one spanning four years and totaling $168. 6 million. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion.